Sources: Leeds accelerate extension talks as three goalkeeper decisions made
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Credit: Imago Fri 22 May 2026 17:30, UK Karl Darlow has impressed at Leeds United and is set to be tied down to a new contract as they remain uncertain over Lucas Perri’s future.Welsh international keeper Darlow has consolidated himself as Leeds’ first-choice in between the sticks over the last few months ahead of summer signing Perri.The 35-year-old is out of contract at Elland Road next month, after he signed a three-year deal in 2023 following his arrival from Newcastle United.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Whites are advancing in talks over a new contract with Darlow after Perri fell out of favour under Daniel Farke.Leeds’ transfer plans will soon accelerate after the end of the campaign, with Farke’s side aiming to finish as high as possible in the Premier League with a win against West Ham on Sunday. 🔄 Leeds United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Elland Road boardroom. VISIT THE LEEDS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Leeds want Karl Darlow to sign a new contract as Lucas Perri decision madePerri was dropped for Darlow in January after a string of mistakes in between the sticks, but the Brazilian does still have three years left on his contract at Elland Road.He is not set to return to the side next season, while Leeds are planning to offer Darlow a new deal in the coming weeks to keep him in contention to feature regularly in 2026-27.Appearances21Goals conceded24Clean sheets5Save percentage71%Error led to goal0Successful pass %58.1%Darlow’s 2025-26 PL statsSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Leeds are going to be in the market for a new goalkeeper.
“There’s no doubt about that. (Illan) Meslier will be leaving as a free agent.
I don’t think they really fancy Lucas Perri as their long-term number one after he lost his place to Karl Darlow.“Darlow has done really well in recent weeks for Leeds and he’s done his chances no harm of extending his stay at the club, with Leeds in talks with him over a new contract as he is also out of contract this summer.”Leeds want to sign a new starting goalkeeper this summerDarlow is 35-years-old and has not been able to tie down a starting spot in the Premier League in his career to date so far, so it seems unlikely that he is the long-term solution to Farke’s keeper woes.There looks to be no way back into the side for Perri, despite some strong showings earlier in the campaign, while the outcasted Meslier is set to leave Leeds this summer.Sources have told Football Insider that the Whites plan to sign a starting goalkeeper ahead of next season, with Darlow likely to stay on as deputy once more.James Trafford is a known target for Leeds this summer, but they face competition for his services from Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham.Shakhtar Donetsk stopper Dmytro Riznyk and Brighton starlet Carl Rushworth have both also been linked with respective moves to Elland Road. 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.